The doyenne of Off-Broadway, Lortel founded and serves as artistic director of the White Barn, which she built back in 1947 to allow established artists "to work free of the stereotypes to which so many are confined after they have arrived."

The White Barn Theatre celebrated its first half-century Aug. 31 with a special "Command Performance Gala," featuring tributes and performances, as well as a museum exhibit and "Green Room Reception."

Previous events in the "Mondays At The Lortel" series included an evening with Carmen De Lavallade and Geoffrey Holder (Nov. 17) and a Nov. 24 show by Helen Gallagher and Donald Saddler. For tickets to the benefit at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, Off-Broadway on Christopher St. ($35) call (212) 947-8844.